Falcons Uniform History #87: You Could Be the Greatest, You Can be the Best

The greatest Falcon to wear number 87 is more on the underrated side of NFL history, but is still one of the best pass rushers to step on a football field.

Claude Humphrey is that man, and was the 3rd overall pick in the 1968 NFL Draft. Humphrey dominated his competition for over a decade, playing for the Falcons from 1968-78 and for the Eagles in 78-81.

Aside from the Gritz Blitz's historic season in 1977, Claude's career suffered from an overall lack of supporting talent. Double and triple teams met Humphrey on a weekly basis, and his game was impacted from a statistical standpoint. Despite this, he recorded 126.5 career sacks as a pro player, leading to six Pro-Bowls, five 1st-team All-Pro selections and three 2nd-team All-Pro, as well as a 2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.

Humphrey holds the Falcons all-time sack record, and hangs in the Falcons' Ring of Honor. Hopefully Vic Beasley can have a similar career for the dirty birds.

Thoughts or memories on number 87?